The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia recently declared that women in the country need not wear a headcover or black abaya – a loose-fitting, full-length robe – saying it is for the women to decide what type of respectful attire they choose to wear.

“The law is very clear and it is written in Shariah that women should wear gentle and respectful clothes, like men,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 32, stated during an interview with American television channel CBS for the “60 Minutes” show, adding: “This, however, does not particularly specify a black abaya or a black headcover.”

The prince’s words triggered discussion on the conservative kingdom’s changing stance on the rights of women who face many restrictions in the country which adopts the Shariah (Islamic law), but in an uncodified form.

Strict rules apply to women’s dress and behaviour – they must be accompanied by a male guardian in public, whether it is to go to a doctor or to a shop; they need the guardian’s permission to study, travel and for most other activities, they can’t interact freely with men, and also can’t reside alone at home. If there are no men in the house, then a guard must be there.

The nation’s judiciary and “religious police” enforce a strict dress code. Outbound clothing should not be tight. The body should be covered from head to toe, for which the burqa or abaya is considered suitable. Although there are no rules for covering the face, demands for the same keep on increasing.

Till recently, Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world that did not allow women to drive. Entrance doors for women and men are separate at social places, and separate arrangements exist for both sexes in places such as parks and beaches. If any woman is found in a “wrong” place without permission, they may have to pay a heavy compensation.

Concessions are, however, being made for women – but conditions apply.

The country is trying to boost women’s employment, with many Saudi women now engaged in traffic control, emergency call centres and the retail sector. At higher posts, women are not provided special facilities at the office.

Last year, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signed a royal decree allowing women to drive “in accordance with the Islamic laws”, and this January women were allowed to sit with men and watch football in stadiums in some cities.

Women can also testify in court, but often their testimony is considered less than half of a man’s. In 2013, a woman was licensed to practice law for the first time.

When it comes to sports, it is still difficult for people in Saudi Arabia to accept women on the field. When the nation sent women athletes to London for the first time in 2012, fundamentalist politicians called them “sex workers”. Saudi Arabia also sent four women players to the Rio Olympics.

There are no formal restrictions that prevent women from buying or renting property, but human rights groups say it is difficult for those who don’t have a guardian.

Although Prince Mohammed’s recent statement points to further resolution of gender issues, and may bring some cheer, the women are still deprived of many basic rights and have a long way to go in their quest for equality.